The Whitefish City Council on Nov. 3 approved a conditional use permit to expand the Whitefish Riverfront Hotel by converting an existing office building at 920–940 Spokane Avenue into nine one- to three-bedroom suites with full kitchens.

City staff reported the project will not change the building footprint, mass or scale and will remain part of the hotel rental pool with shared access to existing amenities. The property is in the WB-2 highway commercial zone and currently has 93 on-site parking spaces, exceeding the 90-space requirement. Staff and the Community Development Board recommended approval subject to conditions, including provision of two secure bicycle parking spaces for the phase-2 building and a requirement that the new units be part of the hotel and not operated as individual short-term rental units.

Several speakers addressed riverbank and retaining-wall issues. Applicant representative Nick Caius said the central retaining wall was temporarily shored and that a geotechnical report is forthcoming; he said some river-side retaining features would be left in place pending a coordinated stormwater and riverbank plan. Councilmember Rebecca confirmed that the applicants obtained a 310 permit for routine wall repair to the south building and that the Flathead Conservation District and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks have been engaged as appropriate. Staff noted that the buildings predate the city’s current water-quality protections and that any future exterior changes would trigger full compliance with present standards.

Councilmember Giuseppe moved to approve the conditional use permit; the motion was seconded and passed by unanimous voice vote. Council discussion included support for converting underused office space to hotel use and questions about bike-parking definitions, retaining-wall repairs and permit compliance.